Evolving Learning Program

From the students…

“When I first started evolve I had no idea of what was going to come next. When I had heard that I had been suggested for the program by my fellow teachers of year 8, it was a great feeling of knowing that I had been recommended. It was a happy feeling and it made my mum proud."

"We had been told of the activities and guidelines of the program, but like any other course, it still didn’t give an entire body plan to how the program would be incorporated into school and even everyday life."

"Being out in the semi rural area and knowing how things work out there, I was ready for the change of scenery from metropolitan to rural Victoria. There were quite a few people in the group definitely not ready for the bush change, but being out in an area out of the hustle and bustle of the city makes the program a lot more appreciative; to me anyway. Some people don’t have the same opinion, but I like that kind of life."

"Evolve has opened my eyes in many different ways, but the most recent residential with the aim of providing knowledge about future pathways was a great idea. It has taken that extra stress off as we can now see that it’s not a must to know exactly what we want to do at such a young age. A detour in life may change your whole aspect of living, but for all you know, it may be the best change.”

“I now know I can do things I say I can’t do”

“Before you went to Evolve, you settled for second best. After Evolve, you strive for what you want, and you want the best.”

“We made the whole tray in one day whereas tech class it takes three weeks just to get our wood!”

“I never thought my hands would get that dirty! I was coughing up black stuff from the smithy for a week!”

“It’s not about being lectured at, that’s boring; instead we learn through experiencing.”

“Leadership is not punishment.”

“It’s (the hike) challenging, scary but like a big family, you have to be close and trust.”

 “… I realised how I had achieved something that only a few people have completed and it makes you feel proud of what you have done.”

 “I am here because I am always myself…”

“Since I turned 14, I have been hanging out with the wrong people, drugs and alcohol which has gotten me into lots of trouble with the police, so much that I am not allowed in the town that I lived in since I was a baby. So I moved to Albury and found help for my addiction. That’s when my drug and alcohol counsellor told me about the Connectus program where I could meet some people, start looking for a job and start thinking of my future because I was still too hung up on my friends and how I made my money to get out and start meeting people."

"I did go to the interview for the program and I was starting to think this is not such a bad thing. As the program went on, I could see that I was liking going to the program, I was not thinking about my home town as much. Now I have completed the program, I am really doing some hard thinking about my future."

"I am proud to say I have not touched any drugs since middle of August. My alcohol intake has lowered to once every two weeks. A lot of this is will power but I would not have had that power if I did not have the support of family, friends, and tahe staff at Evolve. I just want to say thanks to everyone that has helped me along my path, it means more than I show."

"Hey Peachy, Just wanted to send an e-mail with some feedback about Evole.
I was just going through all the images i've taken at Typo Station, and it's made me think about a lot of things. I have come so far, and i have a new way of looking at life. I feel as though i've grown a whole lot after this experience and i'm looking forward to seeing where i end up at the end of this program. I am so greatful and appreciative to be apart of Evolve. My mum also thinks it's great, she loves to hear about the experiences and how it's given me a new way of understanding. I truly couldn't be happier to be a part of this program. So thanks to Vikki and yourself, and the rest of evolve for accepting me into this program.".

… And their teachers

“The students have more of an expectation (that) they will be able to achieve things.”

“John* in particular has made huge changes, he was very shy but now approaches the principal and teachers; other teachers say “John’s actually doing something!”, even his mother doesn’t believe the changes.”

“David’s* day to day manner has changed, he’s now part of a group.”

“The staff are informed and enthused, the program is really on the map.”

...And their parents

"…our daughter has grown so much from the experience…she came home with a new maturity and understanding of life. Typo is an amazing experience for all the students involved & it's incredible the amount of change."

* Pseudonyms have been used in Evolving Learning Program quotes